2004

Go to Pictures of the 2004 Show!

Go to a Synopsis of the 2004 Show!

Our 2004 interview with co-writer Michael Aiello!

We're totally thrilled that Michael has once again agreed to answer some
questions for us about this year's Bill & Ted show at Universal Studios
Halloween Horror Nights!  

B&TEOA: We've heard good things about this year's show.  Did you have fun writing it and are you finding the process of writing the scripts easier as you do more?

MICHAEL: I had a great time writing this year's show!  Writing the first draft is always the best because it is a clean slate.  There are no limits on that initial script.  I have been writing sketch comedy for a while now and it is never easy!  Bill and Ted has its share of challenges simply because it is a huge demographic.  Everyone is watching something different these days.  So you gotta touch on many different things.

B&TEOA: You again co-wrote this year's script with Kenny Babel.  Do you find the two of you work well as a writing team and also do you find one tends to write jokes while the other focuses on plot and action or is the work pretty evenly divided up?

MICHAEL: Kenny Babel is an amazing, and gifted talent.  I say talent because not only is he a great writer but a fantastic actor.  We work very well together.  We pretty much lock ourselves into our office for three months and churn out drafts.  The office is covered in movie posters and action figures, and we were playing the Star Wars soundtrack almost everyday.  We would mimic stage blocking with the action figures.  (Yes, I know we are total geeks!)  Kenny and I are of the same mind when it comes to this show.  We pretty much write on the fly, and see what comes out.  I'm usually the one typing it into the old I-Book (that's just because I know the Final Draft program better).  First, with the assistance of the director, we decide what characters we would like to use.  Second, we establish a plot-line.  Then we start fleshing out funny sketches to put those characters into.  Then link those sketches with the plot-line.

B&TEOA: Someone suggested on a HHN bulletin board that once the script is finished it goes through a rather rigorous editing process by the powers-that-be at Universal.  Is a lot of what you write tossed because of copyright concerns and possible PC issues or are they pretty good about working with you to maintain what you've written?   Also is material ever not used because it isn't practical (or affordable) to do?

MICHAEL: Money is always an issue.  That is nothing new.  As a writer you need to know what is practical and affordable to do, or you'll just set yourself up for disappointment.  When Kenny and I are done with a script we then meet with the executives for the pitch.  Kenny and I read through the entire script, playing all roles for the executives.  From there adjustments are made based on notes given from them.  Cuts are part of the game, as a writer you just gotta accept it.  You'll drive yourself nuts if you don't!!

B&TEOA: What do you like best about this year's show?  And can you give us just a few hints as to what fans will see?

MICHAEL: The best part of the show for me is seeing all your hard work come to fruition on the stage.  Having an amazing cast, wonderful tech crew, a superb art and design team, and a talented director, all working so hard to bring your show to life.  Nothing is more satisfying.  You want a few hints about the show, what, and give away the surprise!  I will say you will see familiar characters from Bill and Ted's past, along with new candidates, did I say candidates, I meant characters!

B&TEOA: How does the future look for Bill & Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure?

MICHAEL: Who knows what the future holds.  I wish I had Bill and Ted's phone booth!  To quote a friend and mentor, Michael Roddy, "Bill and Ted are timeless."  I would love to write another Excellent Halloween Adventure
for Bill and Ted!  In my book they will always have a place at Halloween Horror Nights.  Be Excellent and Party On!!!

Thanks once again to Michael for answering our questions!  He is one most excellent dude!

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